Nine KU students receive Undergraduate Research Awards for fall

LAWRENCE — This fall, nine University of Kansas students will receive an Undergraduate Research Award (UGRA). UGRA recipients are awarded a $1,000 scholarship as they work on mentored research and creative projects.

Students apply for UGRAs by writing a four-page research proposal under the guidance of a mentor. Faculty reviewers evaluate the applications based on the merit of the applicant's proposal and a recommendation from the mentor.

“Students continue to make meaningful contributions to their fields in all disciplines across campus,” said Alison Olcott, director of the Center for Undergraduate Research. “These students are learning to use the tools of their disciplines in the process of research.”

This fall, the competition for Spring 2023 UGRAs will open. Online guidance and individual advising appointments are available to help students prepare strong applications. More information can be found online.

Students receiving awards for fall 2022 are listed below in alphabetical order along with year in school, hometown, project title, mentor and mentor’s department:

Eleazar Abraham, a junior from Tangerang, Indonesia, “Optimization of BBB Modulators (BBBM) for Drug Delivery to the Brain,” mentored by Teruna Siahaan, Aya and Takeru Higuchi Distinguished Professor of Pharmaceutical Chemistry.

Jaydin Chase, a senior from Ankeny, Iowa, “Reading Intervention in Autistic Adults: Comparing Past Teachings to Current Perspectives,” mentored by Meghan Davidson, assistant professor of speech-language-hearing.

Joey Craft, a senior from Lawrence, “Exploring the Creation of Refugia and Improved Water Quality by Changing North American Freshwater Mussel Bed Densities and Configurations,” mentored by Amy Hansen, Diane M. Darwin Chair’s Council Assistant Professor of Engineering.

Vichie Hou, a senior from Washington, D.C., “Social Networks and Spatial Ecology of the Little Scrub Island Ground Lizard,” mentored by David Mai, assistant teaching professor of film & media studies.

Elizabeth Lee, a senior from Blue Springs, Missouri, “Measuring Sustainability and Resilience Tradeoffs for Tornado-Resistant Design Approaches for Single-Family Residential Buildings,” mentored by Elaina Sutley, associate professor of civil, environmental & architectural engineering.

Hannah Min, a senior from Lawrence, “Exploring the Creation of Refugia and Improved Water Quality by Changing North American Freshwater Mussel Bed Densities and Configurations,” mentored by Amy Hansen, Diane M. Darwin Chair’s Council Assistant Professor of Engineering.

Raina Peter, a junior from Topeka, “Barking or Biting: When and Why Does ‘Tough on China’ Legislation Have Economic Teeth?,” mentored by Jack Zhang, assistant professor of political science.

Danielle Pulido, a senior from St. Joseph, Missouri, “Determining the Feasibility of Using Eye-Tracking Technology to Examine Listening Comprehension,” mentored by Meghan Davidson, assistant professor of speech-language-hearing.

Tomas Rascati, a senior from Overland Park, “Mundo-19,” mentored by Elise Kirk, assistant professor of photography.